Scuttlebutt is.... who's possibly looking to sell/buy the Manxman?

[HelmutX]

Just saying... I've no first-hand info, just a rumour. It's obvious the boat is not designed for our purpose. It's a white elephant. I've no proof, and I'm not trying to spread un-truths (as many deliberately do), but in the context of the "miserable -not horrendous - weather delays and cancellations, then this is possibly not a false rumour. You'll never really know with those who make your decisions.

[2112]

You are saying what many many many people are also saying, suggesting or even thinking. 

[HelmutX]

3 minutes ago, 2112 said:

You are saying what many many many people are also saying, suggesting or even thinking. 

Phew... 👍

[Non-Believer]

I personally think it's a fine boat but it is hobbled by the constraints of the ports it's obliged to use. We can modify Douglas to suit, Liverpool as yet is an unknown quantity and the chances of Peel investing in Heysham just to suit "our" boat are nil.

If we did sell it, what sort of loss would it realise over what was paid and what levels of embarrassment?

[philwebs]

25 minutes ago, Non-Believer said:

what levels of embarrassment?

None. Just mealy mouthed platitudes.

Ben should already have been sold.

Manannan overdue for replacement.

Packet is being run badly and will need more taxpayer bailouts.

Wait for posts defending the perfect new boat. More problems to follow and maybe more damage/repairs will be needed.

[x-in-man]

ahhh - remember all the hype?

I'm surprised that the Packet hasn't taken this web page down yet.

 

'Manxman is designed as a bespoke Ropax vessel to suit the needs of the IOM. This means we will mainly see the vessel used on the twice-daily Heysham sailings throughout the year. The flexible nature of Manxman’s design means as well as the vital round the year lifeline service to Heysham, she will also be able to undertake sailings to Liverpool during the winter season once the new terminal is online and also Belfast'. 

'The aim is to have Manxman in service as soon as possible, but only once the Company is 100% satisfied that the vessel is up to its rigorous specifications'.

'Manxman has been designed and built entirely to the Isle of Man Steam Packet’s specifications. Part of the initial design brief involved establishing parameters that would enable the new vessel to maximise dimensions whilst being fully compatible with all ports Isle of Man Steam Packet Company currently operate to and from, including a full mooring study by third party experts'.  

 

Here it is - before they do remember it's there and remove it.

Edited Thursday at 09:55 AM by x-in-man

[Utah 01]

Thanks for posting that comedy gem. Whoever was responsible for this debacle, and there are probably several, need keel-hauling and their carcasses hung from lamp-posts along the prom.

There only needed to be 2 specifications for this ferry: firstly, the vessel had to be able to go to sea in all weather conditions to be encountered in the Irish Sea and secondly, it must be  of a size and draft to be maneuvered in the ports that it will be sailing from/to in all weather conditions.

Anything else will be 'nice to have'.

Edited Thursday at 09:57 AM by Utah 01

[monasqueen]

It's no more than somebody's vanity project.

For instance - who needs balcony cabins on a short distance ferry?

Sell her to someone who likes high rise decks that catch the wind.

Remember Monas Isle in 1985? There were similar promises then, but she only lasted one season. A quote I've found - "Monas Isle (ex Free Enterprise 3, Tamira) only operated for the IOMSPCoLtd between April and October 1985 after which she was laid up having proved very difficult to manouvre with the extra top hamper that was added after she was acquired in 1984."

There's a picture here, of her being assisted by a tug in Douglas! https://www.facebook.com/groups/manxnostalgia/posts/10160868781065049/?_rdr

[Cambon]

11 minutes ago, philwebs said:

None. Just mealy mouthed platitudes.

Ben should already have been sold.

Manannan overdue for replacement.

Packet is being run badly and will need more taxpayer bailouts.

Wait for posts defending the perfect new boat. More problems to follow and maybe more damage/repairs will be needed.

Manxman is the best boat iom has ever had, and probably the most seaworthy. All the moaning and lamenting about the Lady of Man, Tynwald, etc. Just remember, they are from the days before health and safety were invented. 
 

The harbours are fine. Perhaps most don’t remember when we first got the Ben! 

[cissolt]

21 minutes ago, x-in-man said:

ahhh - remember all the hype?

I'm surprised that the Packet hasn't taken this web page down yet.

 

'Manxman is designed as a bespoke Ropax vessel to suit the needs of the IOM. This means we will mainly see the vessel used on the twice-daily Heysham sailings throughout the year. The flexible nature of Manxman’s design means as well as the vital round the year lifeline service to Heysham, she will also be able to undertake sailings to Liverpool during the winter season once the new terminal is online and also Belfast'. 

'The aim is to have Manxman in service as soon as possible, but only once the Company is 100% satisfied that the vessel is up to its rigorous specifications'.

'Manxman has been designed and built entirely to the Isle of Man Steam Packet’s specifications. Part of the initial design brief involved establishing parameters that would enable the new vessel to maximise dimensions whilst being fully compatible with all ports Isle of Man Steam Packet Company currently operate to and from, including a full mooring study by third party experts'.  

 

Here it is - before they do remember it's there and remove it.

Brian Thomson was very keen to stress that the government dictated the build requirements, extra freight and cabins as well as the bonkers hybrid engines.

[x-in-man]

4 minutes ago, cissolt said:

Brian Thomson was very keen to stress that the government dictated the build requirements, extra freight and cabins as well as the bonkers hybrid engines.

Who were they Third Party 'Experts' I wonder.  Spake, Reynolds and Cobb?

[Happier diner]

So why are you posting it in the Local News section

[asitis]

6 minutes ago, x-in-man said:

Who were they Third Party 'Experts' I wonder.  Spake, Reynolds and Cobb?

I could almost believe that, but I'm sure they wouldn't opine on something they knew nothing about would they ........ oh hang on !

[The Phantom]

47 minutes ago, x-in-man said:

Who were they Third Party 'Experts' I wonder.  Spake, Reynolds and Cobb?

Surely the world renowned naval architect Prof Ashy had some sage words of advice?

[FANDL]

1 hour ago, Non-Believer said:

I personally think it's a fine boat but it is hobbled by the constraints of the ports it's obliged to use. We can modify Douglas to suit, Liverpool as yet is an unknown quantity and the chances of Peel investing in Heysham just to suit "our" boat are nil.

If we did sell it, what sort of loss would it realise over what was paid and what levels of embarrassment?

Heard the same rumour a week or so back. The boat is a fine vessel as you say but if sold is maybe categoric proof that the overriding deranged tick box green and sustainability agenda that seems to be driving government in this island seems to be more important than actually having an asset that is fit for purpose. The ship was built to comply with the terms of the £400M green bond so that government could secure cheap financing for the ship within the parameters of the bond criteria (Is it green? Tick. Proceed to drawdown).That tick box requirement on the build would seem to have been placed ahead of any requirements for practicality or commercial use-ability.

It’s rumoured that if this happens they won’t necessarily have to take much of a loss on the vessel. But honestly we had a blank piece of paper with what is a vital strategic asset for the Island and if we can’t even get that right despite having an open chequebook they might as well all pack up and go home.

Alfred Cannan is King Canute running a failed state.